Interprofessional work in early detection of breast cancer: An integrative review

Abstract

Highlights

• Health care professional's role in breast cancer diagnostic process was described mostly from each professionals' viewpoint.

• Health care professional's responsible for promoting breast cancer awareness must be knowledgeable, updated and skilled.

• Support from leadership and management is needed in order to promote interprofessional work, which will benefit all involved.

Objectives To identify the roles of health care staff in interprofessional work related to breast cancer detection and diagnosis.

Key findings A comprehensive search was performed using PICO to support inclusion and exclusion criteria. A shortened version of the STROBE checklist ensured evaluation of the studies. 21 included studies resulted in three main categories describing the role of health care professionals; (1) Communicating breast cancer awareness; (2) The Professional's tasks; (3) Efficacy of Interprofessional Teamwork relative to the profession and the individuals.

Conclusions Health care professionals' roles in the breast cancer diagnostic process were described mostly from each professional's viewpoint. Support from leadership and management is needed in order to promote interprofessional work, which will benefit health care professions, professionals, and the patient.